Tepe Sharafabad
Tepe Sharafabad
Jemdet Nasr – Early Dynastic (3100–2600 BCE)·Jemdet Nasr–Early Dynastic·🇮🇷 Ilam Province, Deh Luran, Iran
About
About Tepe Sharafabad
Tepe Sharafabad in Ilam Province, Deh Luran, Iran is a Jemdet Nasr – Early Dynastic (3100–2600 BCE) tell of Jemdet Nasr–Early Dynastic tradition. Deh Luran Early Dynastic town linking Susiana to Diyala. 3100 BCE, the site forms a stratified mound/karst mound 200×180 m, 8 m, jemdet nasr–ed 6 ha. Excavations since the mid-20th c. expose mudbrick houses with jemdet nasr polychrome and early dynastic scarlet ware architecture with diagnostic ceramics, lithics and administrative finds.
Archaeobotany and radiocarbon anchor the sequence, informing regional Jemdet Nasr–Early Dynastic networks across the Ilam Province. Threats include agriculture, erosion; research continues on Jemdet Nasr–Early Dynastic chronology.
Why it mattersType-site for Jemdet Nasr–Early Dynastic Jemdet Nasr – Early Dynastic (3100–2600 BCE) in Ilam Province, Deh Luran; key for chronology, technology and interaction.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology of Jemdet Nasr–Early Dynastic levels?
- 02Function of extramural cemetery?
Theories
- 01Demic diffusion vs local adoption
- 02Ritual aggregation centre
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c.3100 BCE
- Period
- Jemdet Nasr – Early Dynastic (3100–2600 BCE)
- Culture
- Jemdet Nasr–Early Dynastic
- Purpose
- Deh Luran Early Dynastic town linking Susiana to Diyala
- Excavation
- Excavation ongoing
c.3100 BCE
Initial construction / first occupation
c.1200 BCE
Major expansion / fortification phase
20th c.
Systematic excavation begins
On the ground
Structures & features
32.2000° N · 47.7000° E · 195 m · 3 mapped features
Tepe Sharafabad — Central Mound
tellCentral mound with stratified architecture Levels I–IV
32.2004° N · 47.7005° ETepe Sharafabad — Lower Town Workshop
workshopWorkshop/midden with pottery, slag or lithics
32.1994° N · 47.6994° ETepe Sharafabad — Cemetery/Gate
cemeteryExtramural cemetery or gate area
32.2002° N · 47.6992° E